• The next-generation 2025 Ford Expedition has just been unveiled. The Ford Expedition is approaching 30 years old, but Ford didn’t wait for it to celebrate its three decades on the market before giving it a major overhaul. Indeed, the current model, launched for 2018 and refreshed in 2022, has been completely redesigned for the […]
In 2002, Kia launched the Sedona minivan in Canada. Twenty years later, during a model redesign, the minivan was renamed the Carnival (a name used elsewhere in the world). After more than two decades, Kia remains one of only four manufacturers to offer a model in the minivan category, the others being Toyota (Sienna), Honda (Odyssey), and Chrysler (Grand Caravan and Pacifica).
Sadly, for families, there is no model as practical as a minivan. For those who have realized this, there are some interesting offers in the segment, including Kia’s, which is improving for 2025.
I had the opportunity to drive the new hybrid version of the model last week in San Diego. Here are 10 thoughts on the changes made to the lineup as part of a mid-cycle refresh.
1 – The hybrid solution
To make the Carnival hybrid, Kia used a 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine already used in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants of its Sportage and Sorento SUVs. This engine provides 242 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to a 54 kW electric motor, it has the most power of all hybrid models in the group.
2 – Front-wheel drive only
The Carnival competes with two rivals: the Toyota Sienna, only available in a hybrid configuration, and the Chrysler Pacifica, available as a plug-in hybrid. The main rival is the Sienna, which offers all-wheel drive, a feature not added to the Carnival hybrid. This may seem like an oversight in the Canadian market, but Kia aims to make gains elsewhere on the planet, including in the United States.
3 – Style
Kia has given the entire Carnival lineup a facelift for 2025, with visible changes to the front and rear designs, new bumpers, and the option of a black package for the SX models. This package includes various black accents on the vehicle.
4 – Variants and prices
Kia offers six gasoline versions and three new hybrid options for 2025. The gasoline variants come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 288 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid variants have the 1.6-liter turbo engine paired with an electric motor.
5 – Interior changes
The interior updates are subtle, with revised screens and a new generation multimedia system. The Carnival now features a control panel that can switch between climate controls and multimedia functions.
6 – Seven or eight seats
The 2025 Kia Carnival retains the same interior layout, but even in the high-end versions, it now offers the option for eight seats instead of only seven.
7 – Stated fuel efficiency
The hybrid version offers significantly better fuel efficiency than the V6 variant, with a reduction of about 35% in fuel consumption.
8 – Towing capacity
The hybrid version retains a towing capacity of 3000 pounds, slightly lower than the V6 variant. For regular towing, the V6 may be more suitable.
9 – Technology
New features include a multizone voice recognition system, available head-up display, and a three-stage regenerative braking system aimed at optimizing battery usage for electric driving.
10 – Driving experience
The 2025 Carnival maintains a high level of comfort and stability on the road. The hybrid powertrain offers adequate power, but the weight of the vehicle is a drawback.
In conclusion, Kia is late to the game with its hybrid model, but it offers consumers another option. The Toyota Sienna remains a strong competitor due to its all-wheel drive and lower fuel consumption. Kia expects 30-40% of sales to be from the new hybrid version.
Art lovers are familiar with The Madonna of the Cat (Madonna del gatto), a painting created by the Italian painter Baroccio in the 16th century. But today, we are talking about Madonna’s Jaguar, specifically the one owned by the famous singer. This elegant Jaguar Mk X, which belongs to Madonna, will be featured in an auction presented by H&H Classics in England in October.
It was in 2021 that the pop queen bought this car for her son Rocco Ritchie. Since then, Madonna and Rocco have been regularly seen driving it in London and its surroundings.
Even though it is a sedan, this Jaguar is a relatively rare model from the brand as it is a 1967 Mark X 4.2. The Mark X (X for 10) was the luxury sedan from the British manufacturer in the 1960s, primarily aimed at the North American market. Jaguar executives hoped it would appeal to heads of state, diplomats, and especially Hollywood stars. And it did appeal to at least one: Yvonne de Carlo, better known as Lily Munster from the sitcom The Munsters.
Launched the same year as the iconic Jaguar E-Type, the Mk X introduced some innovative features. At the time, it was the largest monocoque chassis car built in the UK. It also had independent rear suspension, which was unprecedented on British luxury cars in the early 1960s.
Initially, it shared the 3.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine with triple carburetors from the E-Type. With 265 hp, it allowed Jaguar’s flagship to reach 193 km/h with a princely comfort and luxury, for half the price of a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud.
Then, in October 1964, at the London Motor Show, Jaguar introduced a new 4.2-liter inline-six engine. Equally powerful as its predecessor, this engine delivered more torque: 283 lb-ft instead of 260. It also increased the top speed by 3 km/h.
However, the Mk X 4.2 had a short lifespan. At the London Motor Show in October 1966, the manufacturer announced that the sedan would be renamed, becoming the 420G. The last Mark X models were manufactured in 1967, making the 4.2L version the rarest Mark X with only 5,137 units produced.
The story of Madonna’s Mk X dates back to 1967. Her sedan was registered as “RLO 378E” by University Motors in Richmond, a London suburb, on May 17, 1967, and was later sold to a company in Kingston-on-Thames on December 22. In 1995, it underwent a restoration and was acquired by Birks MotorWorks, a company specializing in vintage and modern Jaguars, five years later. Madonna purchased it from the owner to whom Birks had sold it.
Since then, it has undergone new improvements to enhance its appearance and bring it up to date. It received a new opalescent brown paint job, and a small console was added to the bottom of the dashboard, between the two bucket seats, to accommodate the touchscreen of a Pioneer infotainment system.
Earlier this year, Madonna participated in a photoshoot with this feline-powered car. Shortly after, these images, which first appeared on her Instagram account, circulated in the British press. This exercise was likely aimed at preparing for the sale of this Jaguar to maximize its value, as its worth may not be as high as one might imagine. Experts from the American company Hargerty estimate the value of the 1967 Mk X 4.2 to range from around $18,000 to just under $65,000.
The connection to this popular artist and the fact that it is offered without reserve will undoubtedly contribute to increasing the buyers’ enthusiasm for this Mark X when it is presented by H&H Classics at the auction at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, on October 9.
Photos: H&H Classics and Madonna/Instagram
Last weekend, I was in Owen Sound, Ontario, where I had the chance to attend the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Canadian equivalent of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance that takes place in August in California.
In the case of the Cobble Beach Concours, the 2024 edition marked the 10th anniversary of the event, which once again brought together some truly extraordinary vehicles.
I was there with Mazda, which was presenting some vehicles there, believe it or not. I will have the opportunity to come back to the subject later.
In the meantime, to lighten the mood a bit, I present to you the vehicles that participated in the lemon gathering that often takes place during these types of big celebrations. It’s an opportunity to admire models that have been greatly modified to the point of being kitschy, models that were frankly bad at the time, true lemons in the end.
There is something for every taste. In our gallery, we present sixteen for the sheer pleasure of the eyes.
Here is the list of what you will find in this gallery of horrors and original creations… and of models that frankly may have simply had bad press at the time; or maybe not after all.
And as always, this article on vintage vehicles is presented in collaboration with Fitzback Garage, your specialist in restoring original cars in Montérégie.
1 – 1947 Dodge Truck
2 – 1940 Plymouth Coupe
3 – 2001 Toyota Caserta (16th out of 150. Model created by Modellista and based on the Toyota MR-S)
4 – 1977 AMC Hornet
5 – 1991 Audi 200 Avant
6 – 1962 Standard Vanguard
7 – Citroën 2CV
8 – Jeep Patriot
9 – 1935 Phanomen M27 (the motorcycle)
10 – 1992 Autozam AZ-1 (for sale for $20,500)
11 – Toyota Tacoma decorated with Canadian heroes and symbols
12 – 1958 Edsel Pacer
13 – 1975 AMC Gremlin
14 – 1976 Ford Maverick
15 – 1984 Ford LTD
16 – 1977 Ford Granada
17 – 1974 Ford Maverick
The text “Les citrons du concours D’Lemons d’Owen Sound (Cobble Beach)” comes from L’annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile.
In the world of internal combustion engines, the standard is the 4-stroke engine, with a few exceptions like the early Saabs. But Porsche, always in search of innovation, is venturing into a new territory by patenting a 6-stroke engine. This patent could potentially open the door to a new era in automotive performance.
What is a 4-stroke engine?
The majority of today’s gasoline cars are equipped with 4-stroke engines. This type of engine operates on a cycle consisting of four phases: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. In simple terms, it takes two rotations of the crankshaft for this cycle to be completed, converting the fuel into mechanical energy.
The revolutionary concept of Porsche’s 6-stroke engine
The patent filed by Porsche, titled “Method for a combustion engine with two sets of three strokes,” describes a 6-stroke engine that could generate more power. Unveiled by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on September 12, this patent hints at a new approach to optimizing internal combustion engines.
In this 6-stroke engine, an additional compression and power stroke are added by modifying the piston stroke length. Through a system of eccentric gears, the bottom dead center of the pistons is deeper, allowing for another combustion cycle to be added. The idea is to capture more air through additional scavenging ports before injecting and igniting more fuel.
More power, but at what cost?
The main advantage of this engine is the addition of a second power stroke, meaning instead of one combustion for every four crankshaft revolutions, there would be one every three revolutions. This increase in efficiency could significantly improve engine power.
However, a question remains unanswered: will this concept be able to meet current emissions standards? It is not certain. But history shows us that some innovations, initially deemed impractical, like variable compression ratio engines, eventually found their place in the automotive industry. Porsche may have a trump card up its sleeve.
With information from Motor Authority
This article on vintage vehicles is presented in collaboration with Fitzback Garage, your specialist in the restoration of original cars in Montérégie.
It doesn’t brake well, it’s dangerous… That’s what some people claim on Facebook, so it must be true, right? Not really! Let’s clarify this misconception a bit. Yes, disc brakes are an excellent braking system, but drum brakes are too. Surprising, isn’t it?
**Why do drum brakes have a bad reputation?**
Drum brakes are often disliked by vintage car enthusiasts. However, it is important to note that this bad reputation does not come from the brakes themselves, but rather from a series of misunderstandings and poor repairs. Just because something is read on the Internet doesn’t mean it’s necessarily true.
**The history of four-wheel drum brakes**
Until around 1975, drum brakes dominated the automotive landscape. Disc brakes had already made their appearance, but drums were still widely used. But why did disc brakes take over?
**Drum brakes vs disc brakes: what are the differences?**
Disc brakes excel in dissipating the heat produced by friction during braking. On the other hand, drum brakes have more difficulty releasing this heat due to their design. The drum encapsulates the heat, making it less efficient in this aspect. However, a drum brake has more contact surface per square inch than disc brake pads, making it very effective in emergency situations. Surprising, isn’t it?
**Why so much negativity on forums and social networks?**
It’s simple: drum brakes are often poorly maintained or poorly repaired. This can lead to poor performance, a soft pedal, or too much pedal travel. Yet, when properly repaired, a drum brake system can work wonders.
**Drum brakes in competition? Not really…**
On a racing car, you won’t find drum brakes. Disc brakes are preferred for their ability to quickly dissipate heat, a crucial aspect in competition. But on a normal car? Disc brakes are also chosen for their ease of assembly and lower cost on the production line. Nothing more.
**The myth of the soft pedal: the reality of adjustment**
A well-maintained drum brake system can provide smooth and efficient braking, with the ability to lock the wheels in emergencies, all with moderate pedal effort. But why do so many vintage cars equipped with drum brakes have a soft pedal?
**The main problem: poor adjustment**
Most braking problems with drum brakes stem from improper adjustment of the master cylinder rod, either too loose or too tight. Additionally, it is important to adjust the shoes correctly to achieve optimal pedal travel.
**A frequently overlooked detail: the arc of the shoe**
Another major issue lies in the adjustment of the shoe’s arc in relation to the drum. After several turnings, the drum enlarges, reducing the contact surface of the shoes, decreasing the braking efficiency. At Fitzback Garage, we pay attention to these details to ensure that drum brakes work as well as they should.
**Conclusion: drum brakes, a system worth rediscovering**
Despite their bad reputation, drum brakes, when properly repaired and adjusted, can offer very effective braking. To learn more or improve your skills, contact us at Fitzback Garage where we offer private classes in vintage car mechanics.
The newest addition to the CAA-Québec fleet is a 100% electric tow truck, the Lion5 flatbed. CAA claims that it is the first fully electric tow truck in service in North America! Based on the Lion5 medium-duty truck, this flatbed tow truck was manufactured by XpaK Industries, marking a significant milestone in CAA-Québec’s 80-year history.
A step towards a greener future
Marie-Soleil Tremblay, President and CEO of CAA-Québec, stated: “Roadside assistance is part of CAA-Québec’s DNA, and it goes without saying that we are taking the lead in the field of electric towing. We have a responsibility to set an example and play a leadership role in environmental protection.”
Impressive performance for a tow truck
The Lion5 chassis is equipped with internal 210 kWh batteries operating at 800V, offering a range of up to 310 km. The high-efficiency electric motor, delivering 315 horsepower, would according to Lion Electric, eliminate between 75 and 100 tons of greenhouse gases per year compared to an equivalent diesel truck. In addition to its environmental benefits, this truck reduces energy costs by 80% and maintenance costs by 60% compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles in the same category.
A partnership for a sustainable future
Patrick Gervais, Vice President of Trucks and Public Affairs at Lion Electric, is excited about this innovation: “With this new 100% electric tow truck manufactured in Quebec, we are contributing to redefining the future of the towing industry. We are proud to be part of a cleaner and more sustainable future with players like CAA-Québec and XpaK.”
Tested under all conditions
Delivered in July, the Lion5 tow truck will be tested for a year in various towing situations and extreme weather conditions. CAA-Québec will then share its feedback with its Canadian partners and the AAA in the United States.
The Swedish battery manufacturer, Northvolt, has announced the dismissal of 1,600 employees in Sweden, which represents one-fifth of its workforce, due to financial difficulties. This measure is part of a strategy to “focus all energy and investments on (its) core business.” On Monday, the company specified that 1,000 jobs will be cut in Skellefteå, 400 in Västerås, and 200 in Stockholm. The layoffs will be subject to negotiations with the relevant unions.
An adjustment to market headwinds
Northvolt’s CEO, Peter Carlsson, stated in a press release that “despite the strong global momentum towards electrification,” the company must ensure to take “the right actions at the right time” to address challenges in the automotive market and the general industrial climate. As part of this restructuring, Northvolt will suspend the expansion project of its Northvolt Ett plant in Skellefteå and slow down programs and expansion of its laboratories in Västerås.
Stockholm and reduction of administrative needs
This reduction of activities in Sweden will lead to a decrease in administrative needs, which explains the job cuts at the Stockholm headquarters.
Projects abandonment but commitment to Quebec
Two weeks ago, Northvolt announced the abandonment of its cathode production project in Borlänge, as well as the temporary halt of cathode activities in its main plant in Skellefteå. However, the company remains committed to the construction of three other major projects, including a cell factory in the Montreal area. The revised timeline for these projects will be unveiled later this fall.
Debates on energy allocation in Quebec
Northvolt’s financial difficulties sparked debates in the Quebec National Assembly last week regarding the energy blocks reserved for the future factory to be built in Saint-Basile-le-Grand and McMasterville, in Montérégie.
With information from CTV News
The text Northvolt licencie 1 600 employés en Suède mais maintient son engagement au Québec comes from L’annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile
It’s time to celebrate at Nismo. For four decades now, this subsidiary of Nissan has been dedicated to all forms of motorsport. That’s why, a few days ago, the Japanese manufacturer marked its 40th anniversary by inaugurating an exhibition of its landmark models at its headquarters in Yokohama, Japan.
From September 17 to October 15, this exhibition showcases a range of road and track vehicles associated with this famous brand. Two very rare Nismo 270R and 400R models are displayed alongside three icons of the racetrack: the Nissan R390 GT1, which secured third place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998; the R91CP, which unexpectedly won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1992; and the Calsonic Skyline GT-R from group A, an undisputed star of the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC).
In addition, visitors can admire the Ariya Nismo, the Aura Nismo, and the Fairlady Z Nismo, three contemporary production models that Nissan offers to its Japanese customers.
More Nismo in Canada soon?
As a full subsidiary of Nissan, Nismo began its activities on September 17, 1984. With this new entity, the manufacturer aimed to serve the world of motorsport and racing teams. Its name is actually a contraction of Nissan and Motorsports.
At the inauguration of the Yokohama exhibition, the director of Nissan’s motorsport division and president of Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co. (NMC), Takao Katagiri, described Nismo’s raison d’être: “Our goal is to provide excitement to fans on the track, as well as incorporate the lessons learned on the race tracks into products our customers can purchase.”
He added: “Furthermore, our long-term goal is to gradually expand our business globally by offering ever more thrilling Nismo models to customers worldwide.” Will the Nismo brand soon be more present in the Canadian market? That’s a story to follow.
Photos: Nissan
The text Nissan célèbre les 40 ans de Nismo comes from L’annuel de l’automobile – Actualité automobile
“2024 will be a year of product launches for Porsche— more than any other in our history,” said CEO Oliver Blume at the brand’s annual conference in March. This offensive is heavily focused on electrification as Porsche aims to remain relevant in a world where carbon emissions need to be reduced. In 2024, Porsche has already introduced the fully electric Macan, while updating the Panamera and Taycan lineups. By early 2025, the first electrified 911 will enter the American market, followed by electric versions of the 718 Cayman, Boxster, and Cayenne.
Conquering a New Market
Electrification will also enable Porsche to enter a new lucrative segment by the end of the decade. A luxury SUV, currently in development in Leipzig, Germany, will compete with models like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7. This vehicle, “the sportiest proposition in its segment,” will be based on Porsche’s new Scalable Systems platform and will incorporate a 900-volt electrical system to reduce charging times.
Slower Start Than Expected
However, like much of the automotive industry, Porsche is slowing down its transition to a fully electric range. While the brand had announced that over 80% of its global sales would be electric by 2030, it recently revised this ambition. “The transition to electric cars is taking longer than expected,” Porsche explained in July, indicating that changes in demand and electromobility will influence the pace.
Upcoming Models
Electric Macan
The electric Macan lineup is expanding this year with the launch of the Macan RWD (rear-wheel drive)— a model that is 243 pounds lighter than the AWD version. Porsche is also planning a Macan 4S model with dual motors delivering 509 horsepower, below the 630-horsepower Turbo. The gasoline-powered Macan will remain in production until 2026, with no confirmation of a successor.
Taycan
In 2025, the Taycan will receive a suspension upgrade, lighter and more efficient batteries, and a new heat pump. The Taycan Turbo GT version reaches 1,019 horsepower with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.1 seconds, making this model the fastest and most powerful in Porsche’s history.
Cayenne
The Cayenne will become fully electric by 2027, using an architecture based on the Premium Platform Electric used for the Macan. The 729-horsepower Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid is already available, combining a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor.
Panamera
At the beginning of 2025, Porsche will launch two V8 twin-turbo versions of its sedan: the 771-horsepower Turbo S E-Hybrid and the 493-horsepower GTS. An electric Panamera model could be introduced towards the end of the decade.
911 Hybrid
The iconic 911 will receive a lightweight hybrid powertrain in 2025. The 911 Carrera GTS will offer 523 horsepower, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a distinct aerodynamic design.
718 Cayman and Boxster
The Cayman and Boxster will transition to electric starting in 2025. The Cayman will be available in the United States in the second half of the year, while the Boxster, inspired by the new 911, will become exclusively electric by the end of 2025.
With information from Automotive News
The text The Strong Influx of Electric Models at Porsche is from The Automotive Annual – Automotive News
